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As Australia's leading representative alliance for the international supply chain sector, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) together with the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) continues to advocate for recognition and support of the skilled workforce that underpins Australia's trade, logistics and border compliance operations.
What members can do to assistAt this time of year, when school leavers are exploring career pathways and others are contemplating a change of profession, we encourage members to share our latest video recording link within their personal and professional networks. Importantly, the video directs viewers to our dedicated careers page, which is proudly supported with thanks by our recruitment, apprenticeship and internship partners, helping showcase the breadth of opportunities available across the international trade and logistics sector. Current operating environmentAs part of executive-level discussions with the Australian Border Force (ABF), it has been noted that Australia's trade volume is projected to increase by approximately 50 per cent by 2032, coinciding with the Brisbane Olympic Games. This presents a fundamental industry dilemma: how to maintain and grow a suitably skilled workforce in an increasingly competitive labour market, while simultaneously ensuring regulatory compliance and managing significantly higher trade volumes. While improved technology and the adoption of artificial intelligence will undoubtedly form part of the solution, these tools cannot replace the need for appropriately trained and experienced professionals. Encouragingly, barriers to entry are being reduced through the availability of low-cost training options, including WiseTech Academy's free training for staff of businesses subscribing to the CargoWise Value Pack, including the Diplomas of Customs Broking and Freight Forwarding.
While this is welcomed news, broader, coordinated strategies are still required to attract, develop and retain talent within the international trade and logistics sector. Why We Lodged This Submission
FTA / APSA lodged a formal submission in response to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations' discussion paper on the revised methodology for the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List noting key occupations including customs brokers, freight forwarders, logistics coordinators and supply chain operations specialists are predominantly trained through VET pathways and structured on-the-job learning.
These pathways must be recognised on the Priority List to ensure appropriate funding, support and policy settings to address national workforce shortages.
Key Points in FTA's Submission
1. Reinforcing Previous Representations
In our November 2024 letter to Minister Andrew Giles MP, we highlighted critical challenges facing the logistics workforce, including low public awareness of career pathways and called for:- government-funded traineeships and entry-level placements;
- scholarships and structured VET partnerships; and
- national awareness campaigns promoting logistics careers
2. The Case for Including Logistics Occupations
Our submission made particular reference to customs broking, freight forwarding and logistics coordination roles noting these roles:- are critical to Australia's economic function, trade operations and supply chain resilience;
- face persistent labour shortages, exacerbated by an ageing workforce and long training lead times; and
- are directly aligned with existing VET qualifications, competency-based training and structured traineeship pathways
3. Supporting Structured Training Pathways
Freight forwarding was historically delivered as an apprenticeship with Certificate III-level training supported by workplace learning. Reintroducing structured traineeships and employer incentives would significantly improve workforce development outcomes.
4. Building Workforce Pipelines
FTA recommends that the Priority List inclusion be used to unlock access to:- funded VET traineeships;
- scholarships for supply chain and international logistics qualifications; and
- national awareness and attraction campaigns
Coupled with resources such as our newly released careers video, these initiatives will help attract a new generation of talent into the sector.
Caroline Zalai - Director FTA
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